EL PASO – On Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 3:45 p.m., Senator Shapleigh will honor Jorge Almada with the "Adelante Con Ganas Award."  Every month Senator Shapleigh awards one or more persons who have made an extraordinary commitment to service, family and community. 

This month's honoree, Mr. Jorge Almada is the president of the Central Neighborhood Association and a long-time activist for the Central El Paso neighborhood he has been a resident of since 1963. Mr. Almada was previously honored as the 2007 Neighborhood Association President of the Year for his successful efforts in organizing his neighbors to clean up the lower Dyer area.

He has worked to eliminate youth gangs in Central El Paso and previously organized an all-day youth summer program at the Grandview Park Senior Center that involved more than 300 El Paso children. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Mr. Almada has been a leader in revitalizing and subsequently maintaining the Pollard Street Veterans Memorial at U.S. Highway 54 and Van Buren Avenue.  His is only one of two neighborhoods to develop a comprehensive approach to neighborhood revitalization.

Mr. Almada will be honored at the Grandview Park Senior Center, 3134 Jefferson Avenue.

What:  "Adelante Con Ganas" Award to Jorge Almada

When:  Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 3:45 p.m.

Where:  Grandview Park Senior Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave., El Paso, Texas 79930